Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism donates to local Community Autism Resources

Swansea, Massachusetts, January 28, 2020 – Community Autism Resources is pleased to announce it has received a $10,155.00 grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. These funds will support the 2020 Annual Parent Retreat. Community Autism Resources respectfully requested a grant to assist with the facilitation of their Annual Parent Retreat for parents and guardians of individuals with ASD. This annual retreat is conducted in partnership with Dr. Barry Prizant and Dr. Elaine Meyer. The grant funds will be used toward covering the expense associated with attending the retreat for those individuals in need of financial assistance, as well as cover the operating expenses associated with conducting the retreat. Parents and guardians of those with ASD often experience feelings of isolation, fatigue and increased levels of stress as a result of caring for their children. The Parent Retreat helps address these issues by demonstrating they are not alone, assists in learning additional coping methods and instills a sense of belonging in a group that understands what they are going through.

According to Community Autism Resources’ Executive Director, Barbara Domingue, “We feel the Parent Retreat aligns with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism’s mission ‘To help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest.’ This retreat equips parents and guardians to do just that, by learning strategies to better care for and improve the lives of their children with ASD.”

“The Flutie Foundation Signature Grants help our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like Community Autism Resources are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.” The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, based in Framingham, MA, awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The signature grants that the Flutie Foundation distributed this year support traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Foundation’s areas of interest; providing a path for educational and vocational skills, supporting recreational and active lifestyles, and ensuring people with autism are safe, supported and informed.

Community Autism Resources(CAR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization designed by families over 25 years ago, devoted to improving the quality of life for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families through education, resources and community opportunities. This is accomplished through both direct and indirect support services. CAR promotes the acceptance and appreciation of the individual skills and gifts individuals with ASD possess.

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism (DFJFA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation helping families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Through programs and partnerships, DFJF helps people with autism get access to care; lead more active lifestyles; and grow toward adult independence. NFL Quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie, whose personal experience raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired their passion to help other families, established the Foundation in 1998. DFJFA primarily serves families throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Central Florida. For more information on The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, visit www.flutiefoundation.org.